Don't forget your 12v connector (blog.anandtech)

[Terzo]

I was up late last night trying to figure out why my new computer wouldn't post. Even with just the motherboard, 1 stick of ram, and the processor I got no beep codes. I even tried putting the processor into an old motherboard without any luck. In both cases the fans would spin but no beeps. I was looking through the motherboard manual to see if I forgot something, and saw that the motherboard came with a jumper on the clear cmos pins (only two pins...the jumper is either on or off). I figured that must be the problem, so I removed the jumper. Still, no luck. I was thoroughly stumped until I noticed the second power connector on the motherboard...the 12 volt one. Sheepishly, I plugged it in and the computer booted without any problems.

The sad thing is I'm pretty sure this same thing happened last time I put together a computer. Apparently it's been long enough that I forgot and did the same damn thing again. Hopefully I'll remember this next time I throw together a box.

 

[Red Squirrel]

lol yeah it's easy to forget that. It's not every motherboard that has that so it's easy to overlook on the ones that need it.

I've had a few instances where I hit power and nothing happens then notice the empty 4 pin connector and I'm like "ohhhh" plug it in and look around hoping nobody noticed.

 

[RebateMonger]

I forget the 6-pin PCI-E video card power connectors all the time. Then I can't figure why there's no video on boot.

Also, at least one brand of motherboard has ANOTHER motherboard power connector, a four-pin Molex connector, near the video card.

 

[lxskllr]

I had the same thing happen when I forgot to hook up the gfx power :^D I spent an hour fooling with it until I noticed the cable wasn't connected. I felt like a dumbass, but at least the fix was cheap :^)

 

[Oceandevi]

I freaked out when I only had a 4pin from the PSU but needed a 6 pin.. turns out they both work.

 

[Terzo]

lol yeah it's easy to forget that. It's not every motherboard that has that so it's easy to overlook on the ones that need it.

I've had a few instances where I hit power and nothing happens then notice the empty 4 pin connector and I'm like "ohhhh" plug it in and look around hoping nobody noticed.

Yeah...this new motherboard has two 4 pin 12 volt connectors, whereas my old one only has a single one. At one point I also forgot to connect the power button and thought i had some how killed it.

Kinda frustrating when it happens but I still enjoy the process overall.